Dive Brief:
- Pinterest will release a beta version of its development software, allowing developers to build third-party apps for the discovery platform.
- Developers can sign up to join a “whitelist” to be among the first to build apps; Pinterest will have zero tolerance for developers that misuse its API.
- Apps will be able to tap into board information to suggest related items, create shopping lists and more, using Pinterest’s information to predict user needs.
Dive Insight:
Pinterest plans to release a beta version of its development software, allowing a select number of external developers to build apps for the platform. Developers can now sign up to be included on the online bulletin board’s whitelist of approved developers.
The company says it will police the developer platform to ensure quality content, and will have zero tolerance for developers that abuse access to users’ public Pins. Other social media platforms were less careful about APIs, and wound up having to restrict apps after the fact.
Pinterest data is seen as more aspirational than that of Twitter and Facebook. Indicating forward-looking plans for mealtimes, parties, decorating ideas, renovations, outfits and more, its boards could offer retailers an earlier indication of consumer intent and related discovery.